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Monday, July 30, 2012

You probably already know fruits and
vegetables are good for health. They are nutrient-rich, mostly fat-free, and rich sources of the
antioxidants that help in the prevention of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Eating more fruit and vegetable snacks is one of the smartest food moves you
can make.

Place Fresh Produce in Sight

Keep bright, colorful produce-fruits and vegetables where you can easily grab one for a snack. Keep a bowl of fresh, just ripe whole fruit in the center of your kitchen or dining table. Keep small bags of fresh veggie snacks (carrots, celery sticks and broccoli florets) at eye level in the fridge.

Try Dried Variations

Dried fruit is the perfect snack for on-the-go. It doesn’t need refrigeration and it doesn't get squishy. Choose dried fruit with little or no added sugar: apples, apricots, blueberries and raisins are often dried with just their own natural sweetness. Add dried fruit to trail mix or to fresh fruit salads for a splash of color and a healthy dose of nutrients. Dried beans and peas count as vegetables, so look for crunchy dried soybean, pea and chickpea snacks.

Stock Your Pantry with Canned Choices

Canned fruits make appealing, quick and inexpensive snacks. Enjoy fruits canned in juice or, like natural applesauce, made without added sugar. Divide larger cans into smaller portions in reusable plastic containers or buy the convenient single-serve containers of canned fruits, such as mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks and applesauce. Convenient, inexpensive and packed with nutrition, canned beans make zesty snack dips when mixed with other vegetables, such as canned corn and spicy salsa.

Cut Costs with Frozen Options

Frozen fruits are often less expensive but just as nutritious as the fresh varieties. Purchase frozen strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in large bags; then use small handfuls for yogurt toppings or as smoothie ingredients. Many people also love frozen bars made from 100 percent fruit and juice (buy commercial or make-your-own) as a sweet and refreshing treat on hot days. Like their canned cousins, frozen vegetables are delicious. Try microwaving quickly and adding to bean and salsa dip combinations.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

We have posted our new calendar of FREE BeWise Classes to the FREE Healthy Lifestyle Classespage on our blog so check it out! It includes BeWise classes from August until November. We are doing Zumba, Yoga, nutrition, and other exciting health topics! Come and learn some new skills!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Directions
Cut the chicken into 3/4-inch cubes. To make the kebabs, thread 3 pieces of cubed chicken, 2 grapes, and 3 strawberry halves on to each skewer in any order that you and your children choose. Be sure to leave enough space at the bottom so the kids can hold the skewers comfortably.
To wrap, lay 2 skewers on a sheet of aluminum foil and fold the foil loosely over the kebabs.

Tip: Pack with an all-natural fruit smoothie and a mini whole wheat bagel with light cream cheese to round out the lunch.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Would a high-protein diet be good for you? The
American Heart Association doesn't recommend high-protein diets for weight
loss!! Don't do it!

Many people follow popular diets, such as the Atkins, Zone, Protein Power, Sugar
Busters and Stillman diets. Most of these diets aren't balanced in terms of the essential nutrients our bodies
need. Some emphasize foods like meat, eggs
and cheese, which are rich in protein and saturated fat. Some
restrict important carbohydrates such as cereals, grains, fruits, vegetables
and low-fat dairy products. If followed for a long time, they can result
in potential health problems.

Most Americans already eat more protein than their bodies need which can
increase health risks. Eating large amounts of high-fat foods for a sustained
period raises the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several
types of cancer. People who can't use excess protein effectively may be at
higher risk of kidney and liver disorders, and osteoporosis.

Some
high-protein diets de-emphasize
high-carbohydrate, high-fiber plant foods. These foods help lower
cholesterol when eaten as part of a nutritionally balanced diet. Reducing
consumption of these foods usually means other, higher-fat foods are eaten
instead. This raises cholesterol levels even more and increases cardiovascular
risk.

High-protein
diets don't provide some essential
vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutritional elements. A
high-carbohydrate diet that includes fruits, vegetables, nonfat dairy products
and whole grains also has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Thus, limiting
these foods may raise blood pressure by reducing the intake of calcium,
potassium and magnesium while simultaneously increasing sodium intake.

Are you a caregiver, friend or family member of someone with cancer? Stressed out? A free Connect® Workshop for caregivers of
people living with cancer, their families, friends and health care professionals
will be held this Friday, July 6, 2012 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register for this free
workshop, Stress Management for Caregivers: Practical Tips to Cope, online at www.cancercare.org/connect
or call (800)813-HOPE(4673).